11:28 AM PT -- A rep for Ulta tells TMZ ... "Ulta Beauty recently sent an email featuring Kate Spade New York fragrance with an insensitive subject line and for this, we sincerely apologize. Mental health is a very serious, important issue in this country, and not something we would ever take lightly. We apologize to the Spade family, our Kate Spade New York brand partners and to our guests. Thank you for understanding as we strive to do better."
Ulta is under fire after emailing out a promotion that collabs with Kate Spade ... one that refers to the fashion designer's tragic death.
People on Ulta's mailing list were shocked Sunday when a message came to their inbox saying "Come hang with Kate Spade" ... as you know, Spade hanged herself in 2018.
The Internet is going after the beauty company full bore ... with many wondering who the hell QC's stuff that goes out.
I cannot believe I got this email today. Is this some kind of sick joke? How insensitive and absolutely tone deaf. Apparently nobody in marketing at Ulta remembers how Kate Spade died. Disgusting. @ultabeauty #suicideawareness #stopthestigma #katespade pic.twitter.com/L7jsqQcoWc
— Tracy Vinton (@tracy_vinton) May 2, 2022
Not surprisingly ... customers and even some ex-employees are calling for a boycott.
As we reported, Spade was found dead in her NYC apartment in 2018 -- her body was found by her housekeeper. She left a note behind for her daughter, telling the 13-year-old it wasn't her fault.
We reached out to Ulta for comment ... so far, no word back.
If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK.
Originally Published -- 9:50 AM PT